Review of The Untouchables (1987) by Cael M — 28 Jun 2013

The Untouchables is a powerful, entertaining classic cops vs criminals drama. Kevin Costner, who plays as an officer named Eliot Ness, brings together a small group of agents to take down the gangster Al Capone in the Prohibition-era Chicago. Sure, it's historically inaccurate, and it's an exaggerated retelling of the events that actually happened, but all is forgiven thanks to its great performances from everyone (Particularly Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, and Robert De Niro), its stylized but entertaining action sequences, and Ennio Morricone's brilliant score. I was glued to the screen for nearly every moment of the movie, and the way the suspense was handled was great, and never kept me anywhere less than engaged to the story.

The acting from everyone is great too, and Kevin Costner does his role well, Sean Connery gives a strong, likable performance, and De Niro plays Al Capone pretty much flawlessly, with multiple breathtaking scenes. The amount of action is not little nor excessive, and perfectly fits into the plot without disrupting anything or making it feel over the top. Ennio's score really adds to the film because it gives the film a great 1930s feel to it, and sets the mood and intensity of scenes that wouldn't be anywhere as good without it. It has enough substance so it's not completely devoid of intellect, and the characters are developed enough to the point where you at least care about the characters. It has many memorable scenes, especially one regarding a staircase (which I won't spoil).

It doesn't boast incredible depth or anything extraordinary, so don't expect something like The Godfather, but has a satisfying and entertaining enough plot along with a great cast that helps make what could've been a somewhat sprawling drama, into a very good, classic cops vs Al Capone thriller from the amazing Brian DePalma, with its great (if inaccurate) look at the Prohibition-era.